Help me decide on a shop press
 

I am looking at a few hydraulic presses at harbor freight and am wondering if anyone here has any first hand experience.

I am only a hobbyist mechanic. I plan on pressing out my rear wheel bearings on my 124, some rear bushings, etc. it likely will see use once or twice a year.

That said, I am not looking for a $5k industrial press, as it will be an epic waste of money. I prefer the smallest footprint possible, as I will stick it in a corner when not in use.

The 6 ton table top model is appealing, but may be too wimpy? $75
The 12 ton "grey" one is nice as a floor standing unit. $129
Lastly, the 20 ton press "grey" one. Likely the same size as the 12 ton just stronger. $200.

The 6 ton would be my first choice for cost and space concerns, as long as it will do the job.

I have a 20 ton Blackhawk frame ( circa 1990 ) that is made from rolled angle / channel. The hydraulics are a Enerpack hollow cylinder and hand pump ( 15 T ? ) . It is very stiff and does not move around when loaded.

At work we have a 10 ton formed steel press with a bottle jack as power. Making setups is difficult because the press is out of square and twists when loaded. Thankfully I don't get into heavy pressing with it.

Having a press is only part of the operation, you will need various tubes , rods, old bearings, squares as tools. Also be aware that an off center press tool setup can slip and throw parts / shrapnel at great speed.

Eugene,

Interesting topic...As I need to do the same, but my dilemma. The W210 4matic front wheel bearings are sealed, and pressed-in!(lucky me...) I understand the "10 ton" types struggle to press-out the bearings, but I do not want to get anything larger as it will collect dust in the corner, and taking up space.

Let us know what vendors you are looking at. Here on the West Coast Harbor freight stores are everywhere, but they do not have a all the appropriate sizes of everything...

Thanks,

Martin

FWIW, I have seen some 124 wheel bearings over the years that were VERY tight. I've met a few I doubt a 20 ton would press out.

I haven't come across one like that just yet but I imagine there will be a time when I'll be heating and pressing at the same time...

...although I don't see the option in the first post I have a 12 ton table top model.

The table top option was the best for me because it is easy enough to move about my over crowded garage. A floor standing press would have always been in the way. For pressing pieces on and off longer things (like W123 axles) I've been sitting the table top press on a foldable workmate type work bench so long things dangle past the bottom of the table top press into the gap of the workmate.

The one thing that has been really useful on my press is the pressure gauge. Sometimes you meet a specification where at least XXX Newtons need to be applied. Although the gauge is also cheap it gives a better idea than just a feeling that perhaps it was OK.

Cleveland is, AFAIK, overflowing with machine shops. You might call around to see if one will do the press in / out for you at a reasonable price. It's a good way to check shops out and keep in your back pocket for the unexpected jobs.

You are correct, most places are $15 in, and out. I have a place that I frequent, but I feel like I might use mine enough to justify purchase.... If it works well and is priced right

NONE of the presses for sale at HF are of use on the 124 chassis spindles... too small

go to Northern tool and get THEIR 20- ton press worked great... a bit pricyer than HF, but the axle fit through the spacing... you need 6" throat... the 4" of the two HF presses keep you from being able to remove the hub from the spindle...

Check in your area CL for hyd press.

Found this one. Not sure how far from you

Hydraulic Press

Hydraulic Press

Hydraulic Press Garage Press and Power Pack

Charlie

Word on the HF free standing press, i think i have the 12 ton or maybe 20 ton. Cant remember, its free standing and orange.

Use it about the same amount you plan to, for the price, hard to beat. However, the free standing ones have a very common problem of barely standing straight or flat. They are pretty heavy duty, but construction execution leaves a lot to be desired.

Also vstech makes a huge point. Ive had that problem a few times. You can block things up and get around it, but a wider throat for a pressing surface would be useful.

Aside from a parts washer, this is the last shop tool I don't have. I have a 21 gal black air compressor from HF and am happy with it. I do have a Northern Tool nearby thou. Curious what your experience is whatever you decide.